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He has no time to react as it bites him on the face near his right eye, and then retreats.

Mr Heywood told CNN his first thought was: "I got bit by a snake. Didn't know what kind it was. Have to get to the hospital."

Mr Copeland told the broadcaster he watched in horror as Mr Heywood stumbled inside and screamed as he held his hand to his face.

Mr Heywood clutches his face and shouts “Ouch, f***" (Image: CNN)

The homeowner added: "I was in shock. That could've been anyone of us."

Mr Copeland and his wife took their friend to the hospital.

Mr Heywood said afterwards: "No stitches, thankfully, but they cleaned me up pretty good. I am on antibiotics."

The snake was killed by Mr Copeland's neighbour, who rushed over after hearing Mrs Copeland's screams.

Bullsnakes are non-venomous and their diet consists of small rodents (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The neighbour knocked the snake off the porch light and beat it to death with a hammer.

Mr Copeland said he has never found a snake in his home before, and he believes this one was taking refuge from recent downpours.

Bullsnakes are non-venomous and usually measure 4-6ft in length.

They are yellowish with a series of black, brown, or reddish-brown blotches down the back, and are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their appearance and defensive behaviour, according to the US National Park Service (NPS).

"When disturbed, it will coil up, hiss loudly, and vibrate its tail against the ground, producing a rattling sound," the NPS said.